Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS is a severe form of acute lung injury. ARDS is characterized by an increase in pulmonary vascular permeability resulting from a non-cardiogenic cause, leading to an increased vascular water volume, pulmonary inflammation, and severe hypoxemia. Conventional therapy for ARDS is primarily respiratory management by mechanical ventilation using positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Mechanical ventilation is the major management concern in patients with ARDS, due to its higher risk of infections and morbidity. Treatment with Carperitide may reduce time on the ventilator by reducing pulmonary edema and by improving gas exchange. The results of Carperitide studies in animals and humans support the idea that the hormone will be effective in managing the acute pulmonary complications and hypoxemia seen in ARDS.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older (Adult, Senior)

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion:

In order to participate in the study, patients must:

be 18 years or older

have an acceptable PF ratio

have adequate fluid volume

be intubated less than 7 days

Exclusion:

In order to participate in the study, patients must not meet any of the following criteria:

be moribund

be immunocompromised

have pneumonia (caused by Pneumocystis carinii)

have recieved another investigational drug or device within the last 30 days

have a Do not Resuscitate order

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.